David Meyler is hoping to make a return to full training this week in an effort to prove his fitness ahead of Hull City ’s season opener.

Meyler has battled his way back this summer from a medial knee ligament injury which cut short his Premier League season last April.

The 28-year-old midfielder has sat out City’s pre-season fixtures but is hopeful of taking part in full training this week to force his way onto the Tigers’ bench for the trip to Aston Villa this Saturday.

City manager Leonid Slutsky looks set to start with a central midfield partnership of Sam Clucas and Kevin Stewart at Villa Park to take on the threat posed by the Villains, managed by former City boss Steve Bruce.

And with options in his midfield, Slutsky feels in no need to rush back Irish international Meyler, but would greet his availability on the bench as welcome news at least ahead of a busy opening few weeks of the campaign with four Championship games and an EFL Cup tie to come in a packed August schedule.